A Flash of Darkness: Collected Stories of M. M. de Voe

The easiest thing to say is that all of the stories in this collection are immediatlely engaging. From about 2 paragraphs in, I wanted to know more - and to accomplish this in so many short stories is impressive. Also, the economy of description, action and plot waste no time and nothing is missing or added in - the stories are a perfect recipe for enjoyment. The stories vary in genre yet each has a slight "off-center" point of view. I really enjoyed this collection a great deal and hope to see more from this interesting and engaging author. The quirks of the stories and this author are a big plus. I also really like how each story made me think of things in slightly different ways - de Voe takes you on many short journeys and each one is worth the ride. Highly Highly Recommended! - J

DeVoe is a masterful storyteller. Each story is a delicious thrilling morsel with lively well drawn out characters. Not to mention scintillating dilemmas you'll find yourself happily diving into.This is a well curated collection of DeVoe's work. She'll pull you in so easily into each new world and once you're done with one story, you'll find yourself happily ready to immerse yourself in the next. Such a delightful experience to read her work.Highly recommend this book to lovers of short dark and twisty fiction.

A great collection spanning modern angst, absurdist fiction, sci-fi and magical realism. Perhaps even magical UNrealism. The variety kept me guessing. The writing is direct, well crafted and never pretentious. Not a wasted word, scene or character. If you got this far, find out for yourself!

So.. if you're like me and are a slow reader who doesn't get to most of the books on his shelf, you will especially appreciate this collection of really short and rewarding stories. While the average reader will have read the collection by the time I finish typing this recommendation, I am happy to have this handy book by my bedside and simply sipping on it one story at a time. Each is unique and there is a variety of diverse story styles. You get a smattering of M. M. DeVoe's

I love how each story gets you thinking, and each character reminds you of a real person you know. The mean-spirited grandmother from the Old Country - what if she was a little meaner? The frustrated artists - what if they made a plan to go out with a bang? And so many more!

Tight stories that keep you guessing where they're going, but make delightful sense when they get there. A great find!

M. M. De Voe's short stories have a startling freshness that draws the reader into fascinating and fantastic worlds.Keeping a reader on one’s toes is a balancing act, which A Flash of Darkness does deftly with original and delightful prose.De Voe quotes Margaret Atwood – “What matters is how the art makes you feel.”De Voe’s work makes this reader feel alive!

These tales remind me my beloved Hitchcock’s Supernatural Tales of Horror and Suspense but with more atmosphere and beautiful writing- highly recommend!